Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a beautiful place to live, work and play.

The Leave Only Footprints program exists to ensure it stays that way for generations to come. Will you join us?

A beach vacation is a time for rest and relaxation. Make your trip even more carefree when you know the beach regulations prior to your travels. Join us in continuing sustainable travel practices and protecting the beaches, marine life and wildlife by removing beach gear by one hour after sunset each day.

Each year more than 5 million visitors travel from across the nation and the world to enjoy the turquoise water and white-sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Come, stay, play and enjoy the striking beauty and laid-back lifestyle of our 32 miles of sugar-white sand. We simply ask that you take with you all those happy beach memories . . . and leave only your footprints.

Explore this site to learn more about efforts and resources available to help you and the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach community make informed, responsible choices for a sustainable future.

We know you love our beach!

Each of us is responsible for protecting and preserving it, and the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach strive to provide a safe, clean, family-friendly environment for everyone visiting. To help you do your part, here are some tips for enjoying our coast responsibly, along with some rules, regulations and resources.

Beach Rules & Regulations

The following are regulated by local, state or federal laws or ordinances that are enforced on our beaches. Enjoying our coastline responsibly ensures a more positive experience for you and helps ensure the safety of all our visitors and the sustainability of our natural resources.

Any structures or equipment left on the beach an hour after sunset will be removed and disposed of by beach patrol (except for permitted beach services).

Individual lodging properties and land owners may allow tents and shelters in designated areas during the day. Learn the rules for your stretch of beach.

These items are not allowed on our beaches:

Glass containers

Metal shovels or excessive digging

Litter

Tents or structures larger than 12’ X 12’

Overnight camping

Fireworks

Loud Music

Fires

Pets

Vehicles

Keep off the dunes. Staying off the dunes will help us to preserve our dune system and the habitat it provides. Use beach walkovers and boardwalks where provided.